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SPOOKY'S BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME EXPRESS

All selections, analysis and thoughts will be posted on the Bowl Express Thread

SPOOKY EXPRESS BOWLING FOR DOLLARS SELECTION AND ANALYSIS THREAD BCS Championship GameAlabama vs. LSUMonday, January 9, 8:30 pm
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All hail the SEC. Again. Yuk. LSU and Alabama were awarded a spot in this game mainly because they hail from the nation’s premier college football conference. The Tigers have earned their spot by virtue of huge non conference wins over Oregon and West Virginia as well as their SEC West and overall SEC titles. Alabama is a controversial participant in this championship game. They were essentially voted in despite the fact that they finished second in the SEC West, have no marquee non conference wins (other than beating a mediocre Penn State squad) and that they already lost to LSU once this year. It has also been said that Alabama’s selection has more to do with generating television ratings than it does of actually pitting the two most deserving teams against one another. This game marks the first time in the 13-year history of the BCS that two teams from the same conference will play for the title. This game is a rematch of a heavily-hyped regular matchup back on Nov. 5. LSU won that game, 9-6, in overtime at Tuscaloosa in a game that was obviously dominated by defense. The teams mustered just 534 combined yards and four turnovers in a snoozer. All of the scoring came from the kickers: LSU’s Drew Alleman went 3-for-3 with his field goal attempts while Alabama’s Cade Foster and Jeremy Shelley combined to go just 2-for-6. The books have set on of the lowest totals in BCS Championship Game history and the bobblehead media is predicting another low-scoring contest. With perhaps the two best defenses in the country, which are both littered with future pro players, that is a reasonable expectation. If history and matchups are indicators then this one should be both low scoring and tight. The last two LSU-Alabama games have been decided by a field goal (both LSU wins) and four of the last six meetings have been determined by a touchdown or less.

Both teams have punched their way to this title game on the strength of a dominating defense and a power running game.
This game features two of the most talented rosters in all of college football and several future NFL players. However, the focus heading into this game is squarely on the marquee coaching matchup of Nick Saban against Les Miles. The Crimson Tide lost the initial matchup this season despite having a distinct home field advantage. But now the tables are turned even though this is supposed to be a “neutral” site. LSU is playing in its backyard in Louisiana and should expect to benefit from a very pro-Tigers crowd.

The spread on this game has really undergone an interesting movement. LSU opened as a one-point favorite in this game and has taken nearly 70 percent of all of the betting action in this game. But the line has actually gone the other way, with Alabama currently a one-point favorite, according to college football odds. That is a reverse line movement and indicates all of the sharp movement is down on the Crimson Tide.

Last year I was one of the few guys predicting a low-scoring BCS Championship Game between Oregon and Auburn. The total was set at 74.0 and everyone was expecting a shootout between two of the most explosive offenses in the country. But I was right, and the 41 total points made it the second-lowest scoring title game in a decade. This year I think I am going in the opposite direction. I think that this game is going to defy the public expectations – which is another defensive slugfest – and I think that this game that possibly destroys the total. I believe that both coaches will be a bit more aggressive offensively and that we could see some scoring out of either of the defenses or the special teams units. I have Alabama winning this game by 4 points and grabbed the early point and have not stopped taking points anytime I can with Alabama. It really should be a great game and looking towards it but honestly I still feel it should be Oklahoma State playing LSU for the Championship. Roll Tide. Next Year its Fight On USC!

Well you know I don't share your though plan but then if it was Detroit or USC, you'd feel the same.

I totally agree in two areas: I don't think it will be another 6 - 9 or low scoring game like last time and I am not so sure it shouldn't of been OK St instead of Bama, but as the saying goes until they fix the system, "it is what it is".

While the numbers and odds like Bama, I am still leaning with LSU. I'd like to think it's not just because I live in Baton Rouge. I truly think we have the better team. Two Great Coaches and two powerhouse Defenses in the SEC. Don't get me wrong, I think BAMA has one hell of a team and it's going to take our Best effort to pull it out.. but I truly think we will. I Think Les will have the team ready to go and prepared to take care of business.

How ironic you dont share my thought plan. :)
It should be a great game.
We may have to deal with a Lions/Saints game before this game even gets here so its gonna be fun when its time to settle up in March. lol

Spooky, I am actually with your analysis 100% (and you've been steering us right on the bowls so far!). One thing to remember, that 9-6 game had a handful of moments that, if they had gone the other way, would have/could have added another 10-20 pts to the game. That would have in-turn caused Les and Nick to open up their offensive playbooks a little more...and that is what we will see on 1/9. I look for this to be close again out of the gate and then a big play to start a rush of scoring in the 2nd & 3rd...I just hope it is Bama ringing that bell. I'll be there screamin' and hopefully counting my cash!

Thats great jgrnaut.....Thanks for the kind words. Should be some kind of atmosphere. Will be in New Orleans for March Madness and that will be my first visit there.

I really believe Bama wins this game.

What I will say is if LSU wins this game they deserve to be crowned BCS champion of the decade. They would have done an absolute awesome job this year but I really dont think it will happen. And another reason we need a playoff system.

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